Evaluation of Strength and Durability Study of Geopolymer Concrete Using GGBFS as Source Material

Abstract

The major problem the world is facing today is the environmental pollution. In the construction industry mainly the production of Portland cement will causes the emis- sion of pollutants results in environmental pollution. We can reduce the pollution e ect on environment, by increasing the usage of industrial by-products in our con- struction industry. Geopolymer concrete is such a one and in the present study, to produce the geopolymer concrete the Portland cement is fully replaced with GGBFS (Ground granulated blast furnace slag) and alkaline liquids are used for the binding of materials. The alkaline liquids used in this study for the polymerization are the solutions of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2Sio3). An attempt has been made to study performance of Geopolymer Concrete for var- ious Strength and durability tests and its comparison with Control Concrete. M-25 grade of concrete was chosen for the study. Different molarities of sodium hydroxide solution (i.e. 8M, 10M, 12M, 14M) and Slag Content (i.e. 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, and 425) are taken to prepare di erent mixes. The test specimens of 150 X 150 X 150 mm cubes were prepared. Two different curing are carried i.e. oven curing and sunlight curing. The geopolymer concrete specimens are tested for their compressive strength at the age of 3, 7 and 28 days. Mechanical properties like Compressive strength, Split Tensile strength and Flex- ural strength of geopolymer concretes is investigated and results are compared for all concrete mixes. A standard size cubes, beams and cylinders as per IS provisions are used for evaluating the Compressive strength, Split Tensile strength and Flexural strength. Specimens have been tested at the age of 3, 7, and 28 days, respectively. Sulfate resistance and acid resistance test is conducted for durability study. For durability test Specimens were immersed in to 5% H2So4 for acid resistance, 5% Na2SO4 for sulphate resistance and 3% NaCl solution for Chloride Attack 30, 60 and 90 days exposure period. The results have indicated that the strength of geopolymer concrete is increasing with the increase of the molarity and slag content. The geoplymer concrete gives good results for various mechanical properties as compared to control concrete. Very less amount of variation in mechanical properties have been observed in geopolymer concrete as compared to that of control concrete.The geopolymer concrete is a good alternative as a construction material from strength considerations.Test results have indicated that geopolymer concrete posses good durability resistance. Acid resistance test results shows very low mass loss of geopolymer concrete after various exposure period compared to control concrete.Sulphate and chloride resistance also indicate good resistance of geopolymer concrete with no significant change.